City Council Minutes 2005 05 17 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

City Council Meeting Minutes May 17, 2005 Page 5 of 12 Council member Brown suggested a two to three year extension on the Franchise Agreement, and asked Mr. Spiller to discuss this with PSCO. Mr. Spiller stated PSCO is actively negotiating with the City of Denver, and once that agreement is finalized, PSCO will provide a copy to the City of Louisville for their review. Council member Keany supported continuing the franchise agreement. Council member Marsella stated the one time "re-opener" clause was reasonable. Mr. Spiller stated it was his understanding with a "re-opener" clause, the City would intend to open the entire agreement up for discussion and negotiation. Council member Van Pelt voiced her appreciation of PSCO providing for a one- year extension to the Franchise Agreement. She stated PSCO stated their desire to have a franchise agreement unique to each city, and then stipulated all franchise agreements must be based on the same model. She asked what negotiations the City could pursue in the next calendar year. Mr. Spiller stated Louisville could review the City of Denver's franchise agreement. Council member Keany asked what would happen if the City did not approve a franchise agreement and chose to go with another utility company. Mr. Spiller stated the City would have to prove to the Public Utilities Commission that the present utility company was unwilling or unable to provide adequate utility service and it is necessary for another utility company to provide services to the City. Council member Keany asked Public Works Director Tom Phare, if there have been occasions when a municipal public works project was delayed by PSCO. Public Works Director Phare responded yes. Council member Keany asked if the City should file a complaint with the Public Utilities Commission. Mr. Spiller stated that PSCO should be contacted in a timely fashion in order to address problems however the City is free to also contact the Public Utilities Commission. Mayor Sisk called Mr. Pete West's attention to a Louisville resident's billing problem. He also addressed the power outage that occurred in Louisville on May 11, where power was out for 2.5 hours. Mr. West stated PSCO would investigate the billing problem and the power outage. Mayor Sisk proposed a two-year extension that would reduce the number of years for the term of the franchise agreement. He stated there is an opportunity to review other municipalities franchise agreements. Mr. West explained the City of Denver's charter requires the franchise agreement be voted on by the electors. Mayor Sisk requested public comment.